NEWARK, Calif., Oct. 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StemCells, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEM) today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent Number 8,283,164 titled "Liver engrafting cells, assays, and uses thereof." The patent broadly covers purified populations of human liver cells, including the Company's human liver engrafting cells (hLEC). hLEC cells were first isolated by Company researchers in the late 1990s, and Company scientists have repeatedly demonstrated the cells' engraftment and robust bioactivity in vivo and that they are expandable. While the Company's hLEC cells are purified from donated adult livers not suitable for transplant, the newly issued '164 patent importantly claims cells independent of tissue source. Therefore, the '164 patent has potential relevance to those deriving liver cells from iPS or ESC platforms. The term of the '164 patent extends into 2022.